Web supply mechanism for printing machines



Dec. 20,1938. A. J. HORTON WEB SUPPLY MECHANISM FOR PRINTING MACHINES Filed Sept. 15, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet l I 7 1/3 l/Z Jr" 38 I Dec. 20, 1938. A. J. HORTON WEB SUPPLY MECHANISM FOR PRINTING MACHINES 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 15, 1936 l l l ll l I l l l l Patented Z0, 1938 v 2,141,137 r was SUPPLY MECHANISM roa PRINTING MACHINES Albert J. amen, White Plains, N. Y., assignor to R. Hoe & Co., Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application September 15; 1936, Serial No. 100,858

15 Claims. (c1. 242 -58) This invention relates to web supply mechanism for a printing or other machine operating upon a web drawn from a roll, and more particularly toimprovements in web deflecting and timing means-forthe web deflecting means, for use in machines having equipment for joining a web of a replacement roll to the web of an expiring r'oll without stopping the machine, and while the latter web is running at normal speed into the machine. This invention especially contemplates the provision of a novel and improved timing means for controlling the operation of the web deflecting means and of novel means for actuating the web deflecting means of a high speed web joining mechanism.

One object is to provide an improved timing mechanism for a web deflecting mechanism of a web roll changing mechanism. Another object is to provide an improved web deflecting mechanism for a web supply mechanism.

Still another object is to provide in a web supply mechanism, the combination of an improved form of timing mechanism and an improved form of web deflecting mechanism.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a web roll changing mechanism of generally improved construction, whereby the device will besimple, durable and inexpensive in construction, as well as convenient, practical, serviceable and eflicient in use.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention resides in the combination and arrangements of parts, and in the details of construction hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that various changes in. the precise embodiment of the invention may be made within the scope of what is claimed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In some respects, this invention is a continnation in part of my applications No. 53,315 flled December 7, 1935, and No. 56,302 filed December 27, 1935. This invention contemplates improvement over the web deflector actuating mechanism shown and broadly claimed in the former of the above applications and over the timing mechanism shown and broadly claimed in the latter thereof. The preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure-1 is a partial view in elevation of a web roll changing mechanism embodying the features of this invention;

Figure 2 is a partial view of a portion of Figure 1 showing the web deflector actuating mechanism of this invention in another position;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of a somewhat modified form of associated web deflector actuating mechanism and timing control switch;

Figure 4 is an end view of one arm of a web roll carrying member showing the improved form of timing mechanism of this invention;

Figure 5 is a partial section on line 5-5 of of Figure 4; and

Figure 6 is a partial view of a'form of timing mechanism showing a somewhat modified form of means to permit its use with either half or full length web rolls.

The web roll changing mechanism selected to illustrate the features of this invention and shown in Figure 1, may be of the construction generally shown and described in detail in the above mentioned application No. 53,315.

This mechanism includes a rotatable web roll supporting reel ll having spaced apart opposing sets of arms [2, one set of which is axially movable along a shaft I29, upon which the sets of arms are mounted, extending therefrom upon which web rolls l3, l4 and I5 may be rotatably mounted in accordance with the general practice. In this instance, web roll I3 is the expiring roll from which the web l6 thereof, is directed over guide rollers l1 into a machine adapted to operate thereon, such as a printing machine. Roll I4 is the replacement roll, which is shown after the reel II has been rotated to position it in proper relation to the web Hi to have its web joined thereto. Roll I5 is another web roll in position to be moved into the position now occupied by the roll l4 when occasion demands the same. In the web supply mechanism illustrated, provision is made for rotating the replacement roll l4 before and during the joining of its web with the web iii of the expiring roll l3. The roll rotating means is herein indicated as comprising a driven belt l8 in driving engagement with the roll l4. a

A web deflecting and severing mechanism is also shown whereby the web It may be deflected toward and into engagement with the roll It to be connected to the web thereon in accordance with the well known method of pressing the running web l6 against an adhesive covered area H4 on the web end of the web roll Id at the moment this area is in proper relation with the web for such operation to be performed, and then to substantially simultaneously with such operation sever the web l6 between the web join and the expiring roll 13. This mechanism, for

the purpose of this description, may be considered as being a combination of two devices operable in cooperation to join the web I6 with the web of the replacement roll l4 and is herein shown supported from a machine frame l9 by and between brackets 2|, which extend downwardly from the frame, one at each end of the reel II and which also support the guide rollers I1. Both of these devices, one of which carries a web engaging and deflecting member, herein in the form of a brush 22, and the other of which carries a web severing knife in a holder 23, are pivotally mounted upon a shaft 24 extending between the brackets 2|, so that they may be swung backward and upward out of the way as shown in dotted lines in Figure 1, when they are not in use.

The web deflecting .member or brush' 22 is mounted upon a supporting bar 25, which extends between arms 26 pivotally mounted on the shaft 24. The web severing means including the holder 23 is supported upon and between arms 21 which are pivotally mounted upon the shaft 24 and are limited in their forward pivotal movement by stop pins 28, one on each arm and disposed to engage a lug 29 depending from each of the brackets 2|. The member or brush 22 and the edge of the holder 23 are permitted sufllcient movement to engage and firmly press against the web |6 under constant urge of springs 3|,

one of which is secured to each arm 21 on a stud 32, and to the adjacent bracket 2| at 33. The arms 26 are normally locked to the arms 21 by a releasable connection herein constituted by a releasable spring retained catch member 34 pivotally mounted at 38 to the arm 21 and a pin 35 on the arm 26 which is engaged by a hook 36 formed on one end of the catch member 34. The other end of the member 34 is connected to the movable core 31 of a solenoid 38 mounted upon the arm 21. Energization of the solenoid 38 will pull the core 31 to rock the member 34 and thereby release the pin 35 from the hook 36 and permit pivotal movement of the arms 26 relatively to the arms 21, toward the replacement roll H to cause the brush 22 to deflect the web l6 into engagement therewith.

Herein is shown a cable 39, one end of which is secured to one of the arms-'26, led over a suitably disposed pulley 4| rotatably mounted upon the frame I9. The other end 'of the cable 39 is secured to the end of a spring 42, which is in turn secured to an arm 43 secured upon a shaft 44 journaled in a bracket 45, herein shown mounted upon an upright machine frame member 46. A manually actuated lever 41, also secured to the shaft 44, extends outwardly from the bracket 45 to dispose its handle end 48 in a convenient position to be actuated by the machine operator .to stretch the spring 42 to impose a constant urge, through the cable 39, upon the arms 26 and by them upon the brush 22 to pull it toward the roll I4 upon actuation of the member 34, by the energizing of the solenoid 38, to release the pin 35' from the hook 36. An adjustable stop member, constituted by a screw 49 and lock nut 5| mounted on an arm 52 extending from the bracket 45, is adapted to be engaged by the lever 41 when it is actuated, as shown in Figure l, by being pulled downwardly, to limit its movement, and whereby the force applied to the brush 22 may be varied and the desired degree of pressure imposed upon the web |6 as it is pressed against theroll l4, may be obtained. Movement of the lever 41 in its actuating direction causes it to engage the actuating arm 58 of a spring released control switch 53 to engage suitable contacts thereof and Chile a circuit leading therethrough for a purpozeto.

disposed remote from the lever 41, as illustrated in Figure 3.

The timing mechanism of this invention as V illustrated in Figures 1, 4 and 5 is an improvement over the forms shown in the above mentioned application No. 56,302 and includes a cam 55v mounted on each roll spindle 56 to rotate with the respective roll and means actuated by the cam 55 to close a springreleased switch 51 mounted upon the hub or reel arm member 58 of the reel H. The switch 51 is secured upon a bracket 59 which in turn is secured upon a ring 6| mounted upon rollers 62 secured to the end face of the hub 58 by screws 63. Washers 64, disposed under the heads of the screws 63 are arrangedto maintain the ring 6| and the roller 62 against axial movement relatively to the hub 58. A rod 65 extends from the lower side of the ring 6| downwardly and into a groove 65' formed between the spaced apart bars 10 and 18', whereby the switch 51 is maintained in proper position and against rotative movement in respect to the means to close the same, which is actuated by the cam 55. The switch 51 is provided with an actuating lever 66 having a roller 61 rotatably mounted on its free end and which is adapted to be engaged by an arm 68 formed on a member 69 rotatably mounted upon a shaft 1| supported by the bracket 59. The member 69 is normally urged toward the end of an adjusting screw 12 extending from r a lug 13 on the bracket 59 by a spring 14 and is provided with an arm 15 upon which a roller 16 is rotatably mounted.

The roller 16 is normally disposed in the path of movement of a cam plate or leaf 11 formed on the end of a rod 82, and a finger 19 is provided which extends upwardly from the leaf 11 through a lug 18 and prevents rotative movement of the rod 82 in the lug 18. The rod 82 is secured to a slide 83 in which a cam follower or roller 84 is journaled. The slide 83 is slidably supported in a lug 88 formed on a member 85 secured by screws 86 to the roll spindle end of the respective roll supporting arm to position the roller 84 in operative engagement with the cam 55. The rod 82 is slidably supported in lugs 81 and 18 formed on the bracket 8| which is secured to the respective roll supporting arm by screws 89. A spring 9| reacting against and disposedbetween the lug 81, and a collar 92 secured on the rod 82, constantly urges the rod 82 and through it the cam plate 11 against the roller 16 when the reel is in the position shown.

The plate 11 is provided with turned up ends 93 to facilitate the engagement of the same by the roller 16 when the reel II is rotated to position a web roll in web joining position as indicated in Figures 1 and 4. The roller 84 is maintained out of engagement with the cam 55 by the spring 9|, except when the roller 16 engages the plate 11. Thus, the parts are not operated by rotation of the cam unless the plate 11 is in engagement with The provision of the ring'fil upon which the switch 51 is supported and which is mounted upon the hub of the reel -II to permit relative rotation therebetween and secured thereon against relativ'e'axial movement in respect thereto, adapts the timing'mechanism to be used with half length rolls as well asv full length rolls, the arrangement including the rod 65'and bars 10 and 10' constantly maintaining the switch in position to be engaged by the plate 11 when a replacement roll is in web joining position;

Figure 6 illustrates another form of means to maintain the 'switch-51, through its supporting ring 6|, in proper operative position for its use with rolls of varying length. In Figure 6, each side of the ring BI is pivotally secured to the end of a bar IZI. The other end of each of the bars I2I are pivotally connected to the ends of a pair of bars I22 by a rod I23 and nuts I24. The other ends of the bars I22 are pivotally mounted, one

on either end of a bracket I25, upon a rod I26, journaled in the bracket I25. The bracket I25 is secured to the reel shaft supporting bracket 09 by screws I21. A brace rod I28 extends between the bars I22 adjacent their connection with the bars I2I. The bars I2I and I22 constitute an ex tensible device whereby the ring 6| may be moved with the reel arm member 58 axially along its shaft I29, when being adjusted to support web rolls of different lengths and be retained against rotative movement relatively to the reel to maintain the switch 51 in operative position. The bars I2I and I22 are shown in extended position in full lines in Figure 6, whereby a web roll of less than full length may be supported, and in folded position by dotted lines, to indicate their relative positions when a full length roll is in use.

Referring to Figure 1, one terminal IOI of the switch 53 is shown connected by a conductor I02 to the line wire LI and the other terminal I03 is shown connected to one terminal I04 of the solenoid 38 which actuates the catch 34 by a conductor I05. The otherterminal I06 of the solenoid 38 is shown connected to one terminal I01 of the switch 51 by a conductor I08 and the other terminal I of the switch 51 is shown connected to the line wire L2 by a conductor I I I. In the arrangement shown in Figure 3, the switch 53 is omitted and replaced by the remotely positioned push button switch 54, to the terminals H2 and H3 of which conductors I02 and I are respectively connected. The preferred circuit arrange ment shown in Figure 1,is such that when. the arms 26 and 21 are brought down into web prejoining position as shown in Figure 1, and the lever 41 is actuated, to simultaneously engage the stop 49, to impose a tension on the spring 42, and to close the control switch 53, the solenoid 38 will be energized to actuate the catch member 34 and release the arm 26, to permit the brush 22 to deflect the web I0 and press it against the roll I4, when the switch 51 is closed by action of the cam 55 through the rod 82, plate 11, roller 16, and the arm 68, upon the switch actuating lever 66. The Web end on the roll I4 is arranged in such relation to the cam 55 that the cam will actuate the switch 51 preferably when the edge of the adhesive covered area H4 is at the top of the roll, thus allowing ample time for the brush 22 to swing and press the web I6 into contact with the roll I4, by the time the pasted area II4 passes under the brush, and the web splice is made.

the plate 11 is forced down by'the cam 55.

It will-be understood thatthe invention may be, embodied in other specific forms withoyt depart:- ing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that thepresent embodiment be considered in all respects as illustra'-: tive and not restrictive, and it will be furtherv understood that each and every novel feature and combination present in or'possessed by the mech;

anism herein disclosed formsa part of the invention included in this application.

What I claim is: I

1. In a web roll changing mechanism,-a movable web deflecting member, means to restrain said member, electrically operable means to release said restraining means, a switch in circuit with said electrically operable means, a manually operable member for simultaneously exerting a pull on said web deflecting member and actuating said switch, and resilient means connecting said manually operable means and said web deflecting member.

2. In a web roll' changing mechanism, a movable web deflecting member, means to restrain said member, electrically operable means to release said restraining means, a switch in circuit with said electrically operable means, a manually operable member for simultaneously exerting a pull on said web deflecting member and actuating said switch, adjustable means to limit the movement of said manually operable member, and resilient means connecting the manually operable means and the web deflecting means.

3. Ina web roll changing mechanism, a movable web deflecting member, means to restrain said member, electrically operable means to release said restraining means, a switch in circuit with said electrically operable means, a manually operable member for simultaneously exerting a pull on said web deflecting member and actuating said switch, means to connect said manually operable means and said web deflecting memberincluding a spring member adapted to bias the web deflecting member toward the web, and means to vary the effective tension on said spring member.

4. In a web roll changing mechanism, a movable web deflecting member, means to restrain said member, electrically operable means to release said restraining means, a switch in circuit with said electrically operable means, a manually operable member for simultaneously exerting a pull on said web deflecting member and actuating said switch, means to connect said manually operable member and said web deflecting member including a spring member adapted to bias the web deflecting member toward the web, and adjustable means tolimit the movement of said manually operable member whereby the effective tension on said spring member may be varied.

5. In a web roll changing mechanism, a mov-, able web deflecting member, means to retain said member out of web deflecting position, controllable means operable only at certain intervals to release said member, manually operable means to exert a pull on said member and to control the actuation of said controllable means, including a spring connecting said member and the manually operable means, a stop to limit the movement of said manually. operable means, and a timed control means operable to permit the actuation of said controllable means by said manually operable means only at certain intervals.

6. In a web roll changing mechanism, a movable web deflecting member, means to retain said member out of web deflecting position, means to release the member, timed means to .control the operation of said releasing means only at the controlling action of said timing means upon said releasing means.

7. In a web roll changing mechanism, a movable web deflecting member, a catch member to retain the member out of web deflecting position,

a solenoid to release the catch, a manually operable lever, a spring connecting the lever to the member, a stop to limit the movement of the lever, and a switch in circuit with the solenoid and adapted to be actuated by movement of the lever toward the stop.

8. In a web supply mechanism, a rotatable web roll supporting reel, a movable web deflecting part, a catch to retain said part out of web deflecting position, a solenoid to release the catch, a member mounted on said reel, a first switch mounted on the member for controlling a circuit to actuate the solenoid, means to prevent rotation of the member'with said reel, a spring connected to the web deflecting part, a manually operable lever connected to the spring and operable to tension it and impose a pull upon said part, and a second switch for controlling the circuit of said first switch and adapted to be actuated by the lever when the same is operated to increase the tension on the spring.

9. In a web supply mechanism, a movable web deflecting part, means to retain the part out of web deflecting position, electrical means to release said retaining means, a spring connected to the web deflecting part, a manually operable lever for tensioning the spring to cause it to impose a pull upon said part, and an electrical switch in the circuit of said electrical releasing means adapted to be actuated by the lever when the same is operated to tension the spring.

10. In a web supply mechanism, a movable web deflecting part, means to retain the part out of web deflecting position, electrical means to release said retaining means, a spring connected to the web deflecting part, a manually operable lever for tensioning the spring to cause it to impose a. pull upon said part, an electrical switch in the circuit of "said electrical releasing means adapted to beactuated by the lever when the same is operated to tension the spring, and an adjustable stop for varying the spring tensioning action of said lever.

11. In a web supply mechanism, a movable web deflecting part, means to retain said part out of web deflecting position, means to release said retaining means, a rotatable axially movable web roll supporting member, a. control support mounted on said member and carried thereby during axial movements thereof, a control for said releasing means mounted 'on said support, a stationary supportfor saidsmember, and a pair of bars pivoted to each other at adjacent ends, the other end of one bar being pivotally secured to said control support and the other end of the other bar being pivotally secured to the stationary support.

12. In a web supply mechanism, an axially movable web roll supporting member, a stationary support for said member, said member being mounted for rotative movement relatively to said support, a mechanism control support adapted to be carried by said member during its axial movement, and extensible means connecting said control support with said stationary support to hold the control support substantially stationary in respect to any rotative movement of said member.

13. In a web supply mechanism, in combination, an axially movable web roll supporting member, a stationary support for said member, said member being mounted for rotative movement relatively to said support, a web deflector, means to hold said deflector out of web deflecting position, electrical means to release said deflector holding means, an electrical switch in the circuit of said electrical releasing means and connected to said web roll supporting member to be axially moved therewith, and extensible means connected to said stationary support and adapted to hold. said electrical switch stationary in respect to any rotative movement of said member.

14. In a web supply mechanism, an axially movable web roll supporting member, said member being mounted for rotative movement, a mechanism control carried by said member and axially movable therewith, and extensible means adapted to retain said control stationary with respect to any rotative movement of said member.

15. In a web supply mechanism, a movable web deflecting member, electrically controlled means to releasably hold the web deflecting member, a manually swingable lever, a connection between said member and said lever including a spring whereby swinging of said lever will impose a spring urge upon said member to move it, an electrical switch positioned to be actuated by said lever when it is swung, and electrical connections between said electrically controlled means and said switch.

ALBERT J. HORTON. 

